Pete’s Silly Sideshow To Close For Refurbishment Earlier Than Expected

Last UpdatedDecember 30, 2025

Pete’s Silly Sideshow at Magic Kingdom will close for refurbishment earlier than the date originally announced. According to the Walt Disney World website, characters at this location will be temporarily unavailable starting January 4th. Previously, the character meet-and-greet was scheduled to close for refurbishment on January 5th.

For reference, Pete’s Silly Sideshow is toward the back of Storybook Circus at Magic Kingdom. It’s a large circus tent that’s connected to Big Top Souvenirs. Inside the tent, guests can choose one of two lines. One line leads to a meet-and-greet with Donald Duck and Goofy, the other to a meet-and-greet with Daisy Duck and Minnie Mouse. Disney notes that the characters will continue to meet at Storybook Circus. No exact location has been posted as of this update.

Update: Pete’s Silly Sideshow reopened in early July of 2026. All character meet-and-greets have returned inside the tent. This location is listed in the My Disney Experience app.

the entrance of Pete's Silly Sideshow at Storybook Circus

Here is the official wording of the updated announcement:

Daring Disney Pals will be temporarily unavailable beginning January 4. Donald Duck and Goofy will be greeting guests in Storybook Circus. Dashing Disney Pals will be temporarily unavailable beginning January 4. Daisy Duck and Minnie Mouse will be greeting guests in Storybook Circus.

Walt Disney World website

Additionally, Big Top Souvenirs will also close for refurbishment in February 2026. Big Top Souvenirs is the circus tent next to Pete’s Silly Sideshow, offering candy, popcorn, and other treats.

If you’re looking to meet characters on your next visit, see our list of what characters are at Magic Kingdom. For all parks, see our list of where to find characters at Disney World. In case you missed it, Impressions de France is also closing in early February for refurbishment. For more attraction closures, see our Disney World Ride Refurbishments List, or check ResortsGal.com for our latest news, reviews, and updates.

In the Comments

If you’re visiting Magic Kingdom soon, be aware of this temporary character relocation. Will this earlier closing of Pete’s Silly Sideshow affect your visit? Let us know in the comments below.